Cowboy Action Shooting is a sport. Just like any other sport
there are rules, an arena, equipment and a uniform. The rules
will vary from club to club. Most follow the rules determined
by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS
for short) or the National Congress of Old West Shootists (NCOWS). It
is a good idea to visit the web sites of both organizations and
familiarize yourself with the rules of both. The area set up to
shoot is called a stage. There is one person designated as the
"Range Master" or some other appropriate title. It is
up to him to make the rules and be sure that everyone follows
them. The number one rule is SAFETY! Guns may be loaded and unloaded
ONLY in the staging area. There are rules as to how guns may be
worn or drawn. Remember, safety is most important.

There are indoor and outdoor shoots. I like both. I'll tell
you more about the stages later. Now I help organize a twice monthly
shoot at a local indoor range. There are limitations compared
to shooting outdoors, but there are advantages too. When it's
cold outside, you're out of the snow. When it's raining outside,
you stay dry. When it's windy outside, there is no breeze. When
the sun goes down, you can still see. And when it's hot outside,
you're in the shade.

Shoots

The entire event from beginning to end is referred to as a
"shoot" or sometimes the event has an actual name like
"End Of Trail." Each shoot begins with a saftey meeting
followed by a predetermined number of stages. You can think of
each stage as a round. Most shoots have several different stages
going on in different locations at the same time. This is a way
to keep organization and everybody shooting as much as possible.
Farther down the page there is a link to a Schedule of Events
for shoots in this general region.

Stages

There is usually more than one stage. This adds to the fun
and excitement. Each stage has it's own requirements. One stage
may require the use of two pistols, a shotgun and a rifle. Another
stage may use a pocket pistol, one pistol and a rifle. Some stages
may require the shooter to reload one or both or all guns during
the stage. This adds variety and keeps the sport from getting
"stale."

Side Matches

A side match is usually held before or after the main shoot
and uses guns not normally found during the regular competition.
There may be a side match using derringers or single shot big
bore rifles like the Sharps "buffalo gun" chambered
in 45-70. This would be a match for accuracy at long distances
like 100, 200 and up to 1,000 yards. It will vary from shoot to
shoot, depending on the ammenities the club has to offer.